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fiat
[ fee-aht, -at; fahy-uht, -at ]
/ ˈfi ɑt, -æt; ˈfaɪ ət, -æt /
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noun
an authoritative decree, sanction, or order: a royal fiat.
a fixed form of words containing the word fiat, by which a person in authority gives sanction, or authorization.
an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, especially by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it: The king ruled by fiat.
OTHER WORDS FOR fiat
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of fiat
First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin: “let it be done,” 3rd singular present subjunctive of fierī “to become”
Words nearby fiat
fiancée, fianchetto, Fianna, Fianna Fáil, fiasco, fiat, fiat justitia, ruat caelum, fiat lux, fiat money, fib, fiber
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use fiat in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for fiat
fiat
/ (ˈfaɪət, -æt) /
noun
official sanction; authoritative permission
an arbitrary order or decree
mainly literary any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about
Word Origin for fiat
C17: from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fierī to become
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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